Get started with Bancontact Pay

With the Bancontact Pay app in your pocket, you can easily make mobile payments anywhere in Belgium, from splitting a restaurant bill to buying a train ticket.

This page is a comprehensive guide to installing, setting up, and mastering the app's features.

Step 1: install the app

To begin, ensure you have your Bancontact card, your bank's mobile app (or itsme), and your card reader handy for the initial verification.

Download

Search for "Bancontact Pay" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

Verification

Open the app and enter your mobile phone number. You will receive a 6-digit verification code via SMS; enter this into the app to proceed.

Identity

You can choose to link via itsme for the fastest setup (this automatically imports your name, email, and phone number) or enter your details manually.

Security

Create a 4-digit PIN code. You will use this to confirm every transaction. If your device supports it, you can later enable FaceID or Fingerprint recognition in the settings.

Step 2: add your Bancontact card(s)

Add your first Bancontact card

Select your bank from the list (e.g. BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, ING, Belfius, etc.)

Scan your physical card with your phone's camera or enter the card number and expiry date manually.

The app will redirect you to your bank's secure environment. Use your bank app or card reader to confirm the link.

Congratulations! You are now ready to use the app.

Step 3: explore the features

Once your app is set up, it acts as a ‘smart wallet’ for all your payments. Here is how each core feature works and how you can maximise the use of your app in your daily life.

Pay in shops or restaurants

Lots of Belgian merchants display a Bancontact Pay QR code at the till.

Point your camera at the merchant’s QR code.

The amount usually appears automatically. If not, enter the amount requested by the merchant.

Confirm with your PIN or biometrics. You will hear a 'beep' once the payment is successful.

Pay online

On your PC: Select Bancontact Pay or Bancontact at checkout. A QR code will appear on your computer screen; scan it with your Bancontact Pay app or bank app and confirm the payment.
On your smartphone: Select the Bancontact Pay or Bancontact option. Your phone will automatically switch to the Bancontact Pay app. Review the amount and confirm the payment.

(Re)pay friends & family

There are two ways to settle up with friends:

Via a QR code (in person): tap 'Receive' on your app’s home screen and select the QR code option. Simply enter the amount you would like to receive and select the bank card you’d like to receive the money on. Tap the button below to proceed to the next step, where a QR code will appear on your screen for your friend to scan.
Via a payment request (remote): tap 'Receive' on your app’s home screen and select the payment request option. Simply enter the amount you would like to receive and select the bank card you’d like to receive the money on. Tap the button below to proceed to the next step, where you can share the payment request link via your favourite messaging app. When tapping the link, your friend can choose to pay with their Bancontact Pay app or bank app.

Receive and pay invoices in the app

You can activate the Invoices feature to receive and pay your invoices straight in the app. No scanning of a QR code necessary. Here’s how it works.

Scroll down on your app’s home screen until you see ‘Invoices’.

Tap on 'Tap to set up' and activate the feature. You’ll need to confirm the usage of your contact details once, as we’ll cross-reference them with the information available from our partner.

Future invoices from participating companies will automatically appear in your app. You can find them in the “TO PAY” tab. You will also receive an email informing you of any new invoices that are ready to pay in the app.

How does it work?

Whenever a new invoice is matched to you, you will receive a notification. Simply tap on the notification or go to the ‘Invoices’ section in the app's menu. Tap ‘Pay’ to settle the invoice in seconds. 

Got an outstanding invoice? You'll find it in the 'TO PAY’ tab. 
Invoices you've already paid are listed in the ‘PAID’ tab.

Tip: Turn on notifications to receive alerts whenever there’s a new invoice. 

iOS-users: go to 'Settings' on your phone and tap on 'Notifications'. Select the Bancontact Pay app under 'Notification style’ and turn on ‘Allow notifications’. 
Android- users: go to 'Settings' on your phone and tap on 'Notifications'. Use the switch to activate notifications for the Bancontact Pay app.

Which Invoices can I receive in the app?

You can receive invoices in the app from various companies, including: 

Luminus 
Farys 
DELA
Hospitals
Schools
...

 Consult the full list of companies here.

Pay invoices via a QR code

If you receive a paper or digital invoice with a QR code (often powered by POM or similar partners), you can easily pay it with Bancontact Pay.

Scan the QR code on the bill.
The Bancontact Pay app automatically fills in the amount, structured communication, and recipient.
Confirm the payment. You can also mark invoices as ‘paid’ or delete invoices from your history once they’ve been settled.

Add your loyalty cards

Open the app and scroll to 'Loyalty cards'.

Tap the plus sign to add a card.

Select a shop from the list.

Scan the barcode or QR code on your loyalty card and enter the code manually.

Save the card and it's done! Your loyalty card is now added to your Bancontact Pay app.

Pay for public transport

Buy tickets for De Lijn or SNCB/NMBS directly within the app. Easy, fast and safe!

To use the public transport ticket feature, you need to have a 4411 account. make sure to link your 4411 account or create an account. Once your account is linked to Bancontact Pay, you can buy your train or bus ticket via the app.

Bus ticket for De Lijn

Open the app, scroll to De Lijn and select ‘Buy ticket’.

Choose your ticket: m-ticket or m-card10: your m-ticket is activated immediately after purchase and is valid for 60 minutes. Your m-card contains 10 tickets that you activate for each ride you make by bus, tram or metro.

Confirm, pay and go!

NMBS/SNCB ticket

Open the app, scroll to NMBS/SNCB and select ‘Buy ticket’.

Enter the station of your departure and destination and choose a date, add travellers’ info (Title, name and date of birth).

Choose your ticket type.

Confirm, pay and you’re ready!

You can find your active tickets under the tab 'Active' or via the home screen under ‘My tickets’. Older tickets that have already expired can be found under back under the tab 'Expired'.